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A Summer of Squash
The Summer of Squash, 'Cucurbita pepo', contains a bevy of beauties for summer squash flavor and color. Seven varieties of zucchinis, crookneck and straightneck squash offer the best possibilities for culinary creativity. Harvest at blossom stage; baby fruit; or mature squash to enjoy months of summer's abundance. Stuffed and sauteed squash blossoms are a gourmet delight; baby fruit, sometimes with the flower still attached, are a tender treat either steamed or eaten raw; and there are at least 1001 uses for mature summer squash in soups, side dishes, entrees and desserts. Save a few monsters for creative fall and Halloween decorations. Plant in the spring, 2 to 4 weeks after last average frost date and when soil temperatures have risen above 60 degrees. The soil should be well drained and rich in organic material. Squash are heavy feeders so apply fertilizer according to growth needs every 3 to 4 weeks. The seven varieties include are Black Beauty, Caserta, Cocozelle, Crookneck, Golden Straightneck, Round, and Tatume. ... get more information
Pepper - Ornamental Varingata The Pepper Ornamental, 'Caosicum annuum', is a stunning variegated foliaged pepper with deep purple flowers. Why grow a pepper as an ornamental? Because ornamental peppers, particularly this one, may be the most beautiful plant in your flower garden. The Ornamental Pepper has white, light/medium/dark green variegated foliage with purple veins. It also displays deep purple flowers and dark purple peppers turning to red. Transplant the pepper in the spring, 3 to 4 weeks after the last frost and when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees. Start the pepper seed inside 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting outside. This pepper prefers average garden soil with good organic matter. Peppers use quite a bit of water and like to be watered deeply and not too often. Ornamental Peppers can be grown in the garden or grown in a pot to be brought inside when the temperatures begin to drop in the fall. |
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